Panorama AZ-GTi checklist
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This checklist is based on equipment I have used and assumes µ4/3; there are many other possibilities, of course.
​Hardware
 
  • Camera (for example Pansonic GH6 or G9; GX7 is another (older but much lighter) possibility [NB: GX8 and GX9 do not have Remote socket]).
  • Lens: (for example Panasonic 200mm for very high detail, also Olympus 75mm, Panasonic 50–200mm, and Leica 45mm are excellent; 300mm Tokina reflex is also good with careful focusing.  For wider-angle lenses, in most cases hand-held is quicker and easier.
  • Spare battery, SD card, and spare lens-rear/body caps.
  • Benro or Sirui CF tripod.
  • Innorel levelling base (or FLM LB15 or SunwayPhoto DYH-68).
  • Leofoto QS-60 snap attach (with plate on AZ-GTi) – this avoids rotating heavy mount to attach to tripod.
  • Folding mat/plastic bag (if ground might be muddy, etc.).
  • AZ-GTi mount (SkyWatcher) with 8×AA NiMH batteries, should be 10V+.  A power bank with 12V converter can also be made to work, but is fiddlier.
  • Remote cable (2.5mm Canon remote → 2.5mm Panasonic L1 cable).
  • Compass (if phone compass unreliable).

Process (AZ-GTi + GH6)

Details for AZ-GTi operation are in azgti.pdf.

Note: maybe try a small, e.g., 3×2, panorama first to familiarize and test.

  1. Assemble tripod, levelling head, and blue grip
    • set level using large bubble if available.
  2. Attach mount to levelling head, and check its level.

  3. Add Vixen & L-plate and check clamp knob position; it must be on left (as seen from switches) as otherwise app will move camera in wrong direction and custom panorama impossible).
  4. Add camera to L-bracket so camera lens points right with axis over mount base pivot.
    Not currently offset for no-parallax point; rely on software.

  5. Camera mode to: A, f/5.6, ISO 100, Electronic shutter (I assign these to a Custom mode).
  6. Check camera level again, on monitor ¿maybe not accurate enough?.
  7. Switch to MF.
  8. Attach lens hood.
  9. Plug in camera remote connection to/from mount ‘Snap’ socket.

  10. Turn on mount; red LED should flash singly, indicating WiFi ready.
  11. Open Settings → WiFi on phone and select AZ-GTi SSID (e.g., ‘Synscan3e43’); may take a couple of seconds to appear (if in the field and no other WiFi this may be automatic).

  12. Open SynScan Photo app on phone.
    • Search Mount should now connect to the AZ-GTi SSID; mount LED should now double-flash.
    • Menu → Panorama.
    • FOV → select (or Add & Name, if new) lens/length in use.

  13. Camera: centre camera; if MF then focus (using peaking).
    • Take single shot with tilt=0 (this records horizon and also measures exposure).
      Note compass bearing of prominent feature for later Set North.
    • Press AF/AE Lock toggle according to camera setup to ‘freeze’ exposure and focus.
    • Set 2-sec delay or 50MP multi-exposure.

  14. App:
    • Set exposure time: 5 seconds if using 2-sec shutter delay, 6 seconds if using 50MP multi-exposure.
      ≈9 secs/pic.
    • Custom range → Shooting Range → Add shoot.
      • Set range top left and bottom right.
      • Name the shoot and Save  (this allows repeat shoot).

    • Select the shoot (‘Play’ arrow should appear); press Play to start pano.

  15. When done, press camera AF/AE Lock toggle and change mode as required.

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This page was last edited on 2023-06-22 by mfc.